People’s Party Prepares for Debate on 2026 Budget Amid Concerns Over Allocation

Bangkok: "Teng" has revealed that the People's Party is set to engage in discussions regarding the 2026 budget, expressing concerns that the government's financial plans do not align with the global context and the nation's current situation. He also cautioned against hastily addressing the entertainment law, highlighting past instances where rushed proposals faced dissent from coalition parties.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, the opposition leader, discussed preparations for a special session of the House of Representatives, scheduled for May 28-30, to deliberate on the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2026. The Prachachon Party has organized its members to focus on specific aspects of the budget debate, with Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, the deputy party leader and party-list MP, spearheading content preparation. The party aims to present proposals on how the 2026 budget should be allocated to address the country's needs effectively.

Mr. Nattapong emphasized that the debate will likely address the inadequacies in budget allocation, particularly in light of evolving global and national circumstances. He noted that the People's Party is expected to bring forward fresh proposals, focusing on economic and agricultural issues, as these are areas of concern for laborers and farmers eager to understand how the budget will be distributed to meet their needs.

President of the House of Representatives, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, acknowledged the possibility of considering the draft bill on the operation of the entertainment business if the budget and two emergency decrees are addressed during the extraordinary session. However, the Leader of the Opposition argued that more time is needed to study potential risks, such as money laundering and gambling addiction, before proceeding with the entertainment bill. He pointed out that despite the government's majority, coalition parties hold differing opinions on the matter, suggesting a cautious approach based on past experiences with the Pheu Thai Party's legislative efforts.